"The Socket was closed" message

Updated August 10, 2018 15:44

The 'Socket Closed' message occurs when the client (game running on your computer) notices that its connection to the server is no longer active for an unknown reason. It's not an indication that you have been removed from the server. EVE Online requires a stable connection to the server as it cannot cache data, unlike video or audio streaming, so any problem with the connection can cause a disconnect if it lasts long enough.

The cause of disconnections can occur anywhere between a users computer and the server. The connection to the server is not direct but rather passes through a number of hops. A users ISP may be the first hop on your connection with the server being the last. Any of the hops in between can cause issues and are outside of our monitoring or control.

There are some steps that can be taken to help stabilize the connection or prevent disconnections:

If users are connecting through WiFi, they could check for interference and try changing the channel, or using a wired connection

Limit the speed of any downloads that may be running alongside the game (streaming services etc.)

Resetting the router and making sure that its firmware (drivers) are up to date.

Joining the in-game 'Help' channel can assist as the steady stream of messages can help maintain the connection to the server.

Using an alternative DNS such as Google DNS.

If none of the above help then the user may wish to contact their Internet Service Provider (ISP). Users can contact them to establish if there are any known issues with connectivity in their area and possibly have their connection path rerouted.

Should the ISP not see any issues then it is probable that the issue lies outside of CCP's and the ISP's network.